With just a month left until we head to SA, we decided to head South down the coast and take in as many beach towns as we could.

Our first stop was Brazils third largest island, Ilha Grande, a tropical paradise with gorgeous beaches and lush forrests. The island is a popular weekend get away for the Rio dwellers, something we should have taken into account before heading there on a Friday afternoon during the summer school holidays with no reservation... Arriving at Vila do Abraao, the main town, we set out on a mission to find ourselves a room which proved to be Mission almost impossible! We were convinced we would be squatting on the beach after being told there was no room at the inn at about 20 Pousadas. One finally took pity on us and we settled into our spot at Calabri Resort which ended up being a real little gem, great place to stay with lots of tips for us clueless tourists.

From Abraao there are loads of hikes to the many beautiful beaches on the Island. We decided to do the 3hr hike to Dois Rios, the beach with 2 rivers, which we were told was the most romantic beach on the island. We were not disappointed, looking out onto the clear water and white sandy beaches with hardly anyone else in site made our 6hr round trip, in the baking sun, over mud slides, in slip slops, well worth it. Not only was it gorgeous but there was also alittle history in the village. Common prisoners were detained here and the what remains of the prison (blown up in1994) adds to the Mystique ofthe erie ghost town.

We spent a couple more days on the island checking out some of the many more gorgeous beaches the Island has to offer.